GERMERSHEIM, Germany –
Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Europe participated in the oath of service ceremony for nearly 600 recruits in the Luftwaffe German Air Force, Dec. 1. DDDE Deputy Commander, Neil Flanagan and Chief of Support Services, Martin Mendel attended the event as distinguished guests. The soldiers belong to the Air Force Training Battalion in Germersheim, Germany, as well as the Air Force officers' school in Fürstenfeldbruck, Bavaria. The oath of service is a hallowed event in the Bundeswehr, German Armed Forces.
The event took place on Domplatz Square in front of the historic Speyer Cathedral, founded in 1030 and currently a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization world heritage site.
“The ceremony is a sign of the Bundeswehr's solidarity with the region,” said Nicole Steingaß, state secretary in the Interior Ministry of Rhineland-Palatinate.
In addition to the recruits and distinguished guests, several thousand spectators witnessed the event in spite of the cold weather. The ceremony in Speyer was the first since 2017, with a previous event canceled due to COVID.
The Luftwaffe Training Battalion is situated adjacent to the Germersheim Army Depot. Successive DDDE commanders have maintained a cordial relationship with the commander of the unit. Recently, DDDE Commander, Army Lt. Col. Kimberly Rembert, hosted the current Luftwaffe Commander, Lt. Col. Christoph Kuck, for coffee and a tour of the facility.
“It was a privilege for our team to attend such a momentous event, and DDDE plans to engage further with our Bundeswehr partners now that COVID restrictions are lifting locally,” said Rembert.